Well, this takes the cake. I've read a lot of the "YA fantasy/dystopia trilogy" series that are currently the rage. Some have been really good and gone downhill, some have been eh and then end much better, but this one, this was was solid from start to finish. Character development and interaction, real life dialogue, universe creation, plot development, movement, and finale. A wonderful "star crossed" love story. Superb dynamic between two species whose hatred is all they can see and how across generations (sort of) their mingling began. And an ending that not only wraps things up well but also doesn't tie that final "things are now great" bow. The understanding that the future is positive but there is still another story to come on the way (without giving the reader the feeling that they missed something by not knowing that story) is masterfully done. I loved Zuzana and Mik and their story, the "quests" and the proposal. I loved Liraz and Kiri SO SO much. And of course, Akiva and Karou. Plus, the name Karou is very compelling. There were a few things that were maybe not addressed: how Mik found Esther's wishes and managed to steal them or the Razgut/Esther story's end. But really, they paled in the bigger picture. I was unsure about Eliza at first, but was happy with her role by the end and I had similar feelings about the Stelians. But mostly I think it was because I was so protective of to story to date (that had been so good) that I was afraid introducing something else would mess with it. But I have to say, I have never been more impressed with the YA genre. Hats off to Laini Taylor. I never wanted this story to end.